The project is based on the premise that knowledge of the natural-cultural assets constitutes an input to develop integrative management strategies for the assets and the territory, connected to the local populations. At the same time it intends to include a survey of the social practices and local knowledge generated around these assets and the territory, taking into account the differences in and among the social groups, as well as possible conflicts.
We consider that natural-cultural assets are a dynamic element, a product of a specific historical moment and social-cultural context (Prats, 1998; Machuca, 1998; Escobar,1997; Santana, 1997; Prats y Ortiz, 2000; Lacarrieu, 2009; Peralta, 2009; Clifford, 2010).
The methodology to be employed is ethnography (participant observation, interviews), semi-directed interviews with residents or frequent visitors and diverse social actors connected with the area; a survey of published and unpublished documents, a photographic survey and satellite images. Scientific papers on the area will also be surveyed.
The Project will be carried out by the Centro Universitario Regional Este (CURE), Centro de Investigaciones del Patrimonio Costero (the Eastern Region University Center, Center for Coastal Heritage Research), with the participation of Fundacion Lagunas Costeras and funding from the Sectoral Commission for Scientific Research.
The CURE research team is composed by: Dr. Leticia D’Ambrosio (head of the project), Dr. Gastón Martínez (co-head), B.A. Inti Clavijo, M.Sc. Viviana Cuberos, B.A. Valentina González, Eng. Mauricio D’Ambrosio, B.A. Facundo Bianchi, Dr. Rodrigo Torres, Dr. Samila Ferreira, Mg. Eduardo Keldjián and Dr. Alvaro Soutullo.
